Be ready to tackle security threats in 10 months: Centre

Reiterating India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and Naxal activities, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday gave all states 10 more months to complete their preparedness to meet any security threat.

Reiterating India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and Naxal activities, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday gave all states 10 more months to complete their preparedness to meet any security threat.

Chidambaram who was here to review Maharashtra’s plan of action, finalised after the chief ministers’ conclave held on January 6 this year, said: “For every security measure, the deadlines have been set.

The timelines have been squeezed, and all states have been asked to get fully ready by end of this year.”

Referring to the 26/11 terror attack and the recent Naxal attack that killed 15 state police personnel in Gadchiroli, Chidambaram said, “We have a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and Naxal activity. Any act of terrorism and Leftist extremism will be dealt with severely.”

He said he was happy to note that the security forces were gaining confidence every day.

Earlier, the state government made a presentation to the union minister at the Sahyadri Guest House. Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, his deputy Chhagan Bhujbal, Home Minister Jayant Patil and top brass of state and Mumbai police were present.

“The Centre has assured us all help in our internal security programme,” Chavan told Hindustan Times.

A bureaucrat, who attended the closed-door meeting, said the state had asked the Centre to arrange for a helicopter to man coastal security.

“We also asked for a grant of Rs 125 crore to install 5,000 close circuit cameras in Mumbai and another Rs 15 crore to monitor cyber terror activities,” the bureaucrat said on condition of anonymity.

Chidambaram also said that the National Security Guard would set up its hub near Mumbai very soon. “Land has been identified and reviewed,” he added.

Asked about Pakistan’s various claims over the 26/11 probe, Chidambaram said, “Let Pakistan respond to the 26/11 dossier. We will react officially only after that. Whatever appears in the (Pakistan) media is rubbish.”